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March 25, 2005
A Step Too Far
This morning on Fox, a representative of the Schiavo family called on Governor Jeb Bush to send in the state troopers and rescue Terri Schiavo. While I can understand the emotion that leads to this sort of suggestion, I do not agree with it.
Yes, starving Terri to death is awful and dehumanizing. Yes, the courts have been acting recklessly and the judges in this case have ignored the clear intent of the law Congress passed last weekend. Yes, this is a case of judicial activism - judges are simply doing what they want with no regard for the other branches of government involved. All of these things are true.
But sending in armed men to confront other armed men would elevate the battle over Terri's life into something on the level of an armed conflict - and set a terrible precedent for how far a governor could take a political battle. Some may see this as civil disobedience for worthy cause. If Governor Bush were to take that step, though, it would be an abuse of the considerable power he's been given as leader of a state.
Conservative leaders have done everything they can within reason to preserve Terri's life. Anyone who complains not enough has been done by those with power is speaking from an understandable frustration - but they're wrong.
The courts have gone too far in the steps they have taken to ensure the death of Terri Schiavo. Those of us on the other side should not make the same mistake in trying to save her.
UPDATE - Captain's Quarters and Ace of Spades agree. From the Captain:
In our haste to save an innocent life, we cannot demand that our executives turn into dictators for just a few moments. Dictatorships don't work that way, and neither do democracies.At the same time, though, we cannot forget this battle after Terri's death.
The judiciary in this country is completely out of control. If conservatives want to give Terri a legacy, a good place to start is by reminding the judiciary they are one of three equal branches of government, not a power unto themselves.
Posted by slublog at March 25, 2005 09:20 AM
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» The Rule of Law - Schiavo from Another Rovian Conspiracy - St Wendeler
Imagine if a Democratic Governor were to send in the State Troopers on Michael Schiavo's request, at the urging of Oliver Willis, DailyKos, & Co, to pull the feeding tube and make sure she died... We would be screaming from the rooftops about the jac... [Read More]
Tracked on March 25, 2005 12:30 PM
» Anarchy? from MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy
Is that what some people are asking for?
Captain Ed has posted what I've been thinking about quite a bit lately--that there are limits to what Governor Bush (and certainly President Bush) can do to save Terri Schiavo. I put up a post last night a... [Read More]
Tracked on March 25, 2005 02:58 PM
» Defiance of Congress must not stand from Error Theory
Judicial power is checked by the inherent feebleness of the judicial branch: that it possesses “neither FORCE nor WILL, but merely judgment,” and “is in continual jeopardy of being overpowered, awed, or influenced by its co-ordinate... [Read More]
Tracked on March 25, 2005 04:03 PM
» Anarchy? from Good Richard's Almanac
Beth asks... is anarchy is what we really want? The question is a response to people who suggest that Governor or President Bush should intervene in Terri Schiavo's forced starvation, against the will of the Florida courts. My answer to... [Read More]
Tracked on March 25, 2005 10:59 PM
Comments
I agree, however I am cynical enough to believe that within a short time after her tragic killing, it will return to "business as usual".
The hack (and likely corrupt) judge will go along his merry way, collecting campaign funds from attorneys who appear before him. Her execrable "husband" will enjoy his ill-gotten gains, and probably be well paid for a book. Some air-head lefty actress will play Terri in a TV movie. We will continue to yada-yada about this on blogs for awhile, but then something new will come along and Terri will be all but forgotten.
I hope I'm wrong, but history is my guide.
Posted by: Old Coot at March 25, 2005 11:25 AM